Page 53 - CIJ Feb 2024 Digital Edition

Facility ManageMent-iaQ

Understanding Air Pollutants

Effective Maintenance & Measures

The complex interaction between
pollutants, ventilation, and other
environmental factors within enclosed

spaces has serious implications on
respiratory health, cognitive function,
and overall occupant comfort.

Clean India Journal sought inputs from
Tushar Kalra, Founder, Air Exchange
Solutions on the ins and outs of

ensuring effective maintenance of IAQ.

ritical parameters Various factors contribute to such as dust mites, pet dander,
affecting indoor adverse health effects: and pollen can lead to allergic
occupant health include • Ventilation Rate: Poor rhinitis, asthma symptoms, and
the concentration of other allergic reactions
CCO2, volatile organic ventilation can lead to a • Carbon Monoxide (CO):
buildup of pollutants like CO2
compounds (VOCs), radon, and VOCs, thereby increasing CO interferes with the body’s
formaldehyde, and biological the risk of respiratory and other ability to transport oxygen,
contaminants such as mould health problems and leads to symptoms
& bacteria. Building design,
ventilation systems, and regional • Mould and Microbial like headaches, dizziness,
climate also contribute to the Contaminants: Exposure to nausea, and, in severe cases,
impact of air pollutants on mold spores and microbial unconsciousness or death
occupant health. contaminants leads to cross- • Occupant Behaviour:
Spot measurements and real-time infection and other respiratory Activities like smoking,
issues
monitoring are employed to collect cooking, and the use of
air quality data from enclosed • Allergens (dust mites, pet products like perfumes, etc. can
spaces. Both provide an accurate dander, pollen): Allergens significantly impact IAQ
understanding of IAQ and help in
taking proactive steps to maintain
a healthy indoor environment. The
choice between the two methods
depends on specific requirements
and the available resources.

Health concerns associated
with indoor air quality include
respiratory issues, respiratory
infections, irritation of the eyes,
nose & throat, cognitive effects,
and aggravation of pre-existing
health conditions.

Clean India Journal•FEBRUARY 2024 53
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